You know from our sprawling (but far from exhaustive) roundup of Valentine's Day dining options that V-Day is one of the most lucrative days of the year for restaurateurs. And this year, what with the economy passed out in the garage with the car engine running, it will also be the last day ever for an unknown number of them, according to the Observer's informed speculation: "The full body count is hard to predict at this point because many proprietors are quite clandestine when it comes to closing." But Miracle Grill on Bleecker Street is shutting its doors the 15th, followed by Chef Cyril Renaud’s Michelin-starred French restaurant Fleur de Sel, and Spanish tapas joint Suba on Ludlow Street will close later this month. The article only adds to a gloomy consensus that a disheartening number of NYC restaurant closings loom on the near horizon. So while V-Day isn't generally the best time to eat out, you may want to show your favorite restaurant a little love anyway. We learned of Old Devil Moon's closing too late, and though the place was far from transcendent, we'll always regret losing the best pancakes in town without getting one last goodbye bite. more ›

This cute little brasserie is the latest venture for Chef Cyril Renaud, whose Michelin-starred restaurant Fleur de Sel is well-regarded for his approachable presentation of cuisine from Brittany, emphasizing seasonal ingredients. Hence Bar Breton, envisioned as Fleur de Sel's casual counterpart. more ›

Have you ever dreamed that you could have a multi-course lunch at the home of an amazing chef, hang out in his kitchen while he prepares it and pick up some cooking tips and recipes along the way? It’s possible. One way is to befriend (or maybe even date) a chef. Another is through By Invitation Only events, open to platinum American Express card members. Chef Cyril Renaud of Fleur de Sel opened up his Brooklyn kitchen to some Platinum AmEx cardholders, many of whom had used their reward points to attend the event. If you've been saving your reward points for a rainy day, now's a great time to use them. more ›